Is your pooch a little Chewbacca? Meaning they chew everything from your favorite pair of shoes to those beautiful throw pillows you just got at Target?
Well, worry not. There is a solution for your dog’s nasty chewing habits. Whether they confuse your sneakers for a treat or protest by destroying your sofa, stopping a dog from chewing is easy with the right technique.
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Do you ever wish you could clone yourself, leaving the other you to stay at home to prevent your dog from making confetti out of your couch cushions? Well, now you can do the next best thing, using a remote interactive camera.
But, before you learn how to stop a dog from chewing everything you own, you’ll need to start from the basics.
Why Do Dogs Chew On Things
The answer to this question depends on the dog who is doing the chewing. The three most common reasons your stuff is being destroyed are:
For dogs who are still young and growing, it’s a natural behavior. Puppies love exploring everything, and they usually do that by sniffing, licking and chewing objects.
However, problems can start when your fur baby decides your beautiful wooden furniture or the new carpet are the things they want to nibble on. Of course, it doesn’t help if they’re teething as well as gnawing on everything they can get their paws on helps relieve their pain.
On the other hand, if you have an older dog that suddenly starts chewing or chews things when you’re not at home, chances are that it might not be normal, puppy chewing, but a clear-cut destructive behavior. Whenever your dog is anxious or bored, they might be channeling that energy into chewing.
Why Do Puppies Chew On Things
There is no doubt that puppies are tiny bundles of enormous cuteness, but, when it comes to training, you will definitely have your hands full. From excessive barking to doing their business on your bed, trouble can sometimes seem to follow your adorable pup. Add chewing to the mix, and you’ll spend all your free time learning how to discipline a puppy and not go crazy at the same time.
Puppy chewing is often caused by the fact that either their baby teeth are erupting, or they are being replaced by permanent teeth. The tiny, needle-like teeth erupt when your pooch is around 3 to 8 weeks old, and just when you get used to scratches from nipping, they start teething again. Dogs stop teething when they are around 4 to 6 months old when all of their milk teeth are replaced by adult ones.
How to Stop a Puppy from Chewing
Considering that your puppy is chewing on things mostly because their gums are inflamed from teething, the best way to get them to stop ruining your belongings is to redirect their attention to something else.
Let’s face it, there might be no realistic way to completely stop a puppy from chewing. But what you can do is get them some dog chew toys that will provide a more welcome gnaw target than your slippers or wood trims.
When your puppy chews on something they’re not supposed to, scold them and take the object away, replacing it with their toy. This helps them learn that only toys are for chewing and that everything else is off limits!
In addition to getting some chew toys for puppies, consider puppy-proofing your home. It will minimize the damage to your house while you’re training your puppy, and prevent them from getting hurt. Keep a close watch on your puppy or problem adult dog by using Petcube, a dog camera that will broadcast your voice from a remote location. It’s a good way to let your dog know that you’re watching, even when you’re not in the room.
How to Not Punish a Dog for Chewing
When your dog chews on everything, it’s not only exasperating. It can also be quite dangerous, especially if your pooch has a penchant for nibbling on electric cables, or tends to swallow the things they chew up. Bits and pieces from socks, shoes or wood can cause many serious problems, like blockages or perforation of the intestines.
So, both for their safety and your own peace of mind, it’s essential to prevent dogs from chewing. However, negative punishments, such as spanking or hitting your dog might only make matters worse and make your pooch become even more destructive.
Unfortunately, even if you use the right training methods, it will take a while for your pet to stop chewing. That's why no one is safe from situations where your dog has eaten a cable or other dangerous thing.
At the same time, there is no need to panic. There is a way to be prepared for emergencies - subscribe to the Pet Emergency Fund. This alternative pet insurance will help you not to worry about bills and be focused only on helping your four-legged friend. Your peace of mind for all pets costs less than $1/day. You can also get a consultation from a certified vet 24/7, wherever you are. This is a useful feature in cases where you need to wait several days for an appointment with a veterinarian or need to provide first aid to your dog yourself.
Why Does My Dog Chew On Things When I Leave the House?
There are a million different pet parents in the world, but almost every one of them has one common story. The story of how you returned home and there was complete chaos waiting for you: feathery remains of pillows, gnawed table legs, or your favorite pair of heels ruined by bite marks. You can be angry, but we know that anger will end the moment you see the round eyes of your fur kid.
However, if your dog regularly chews everything at home, it is not just a temporary problem in their behavior. This may indicate certain diseases or stress in pets. For example, your dog could suffer from separation anxiety. Stressed or agitated dogs are more likely to chew things than healthy dogs.
All these are the consequences of the dog being left at home alone and feeling anxious.
So, how to take care of your four-legged friend and save your valuables from destruction at the same time? Petcube will tell you all the secrets about chewing and dogs. Keep reading, and you gonna know what I mean.
How Do I Get My Dog to Stop Chewing on Wood?
If your dog chews on wood trims, gnaws dirty socks or phone chargers, it’s highly likely they are bored. Dog choosing wood to chew on may be a sign that your pet finds it as the only object available to play around. Your four-legged baby is active and energetic, and if that energy is not spent productively, it’s redirected into destructive behavior patterns.
If you are also wondering how to stop a dog from chewing shoes, you should again consider checking if your fluff has enough toys or your attention to spend its energy on. Meanwhile, destructive chewing, like on door or window frames, can also be a sign of separation anxiety. Here is how to stop a bored dog from chewing wood:
- Daily exercise helps tire out your dog and offers mental stimulation as well. If your dog chews the carpet when they’re bored, a little physical activity will make them steer clear of your precious rug!
- Engaging playtime, either outside or indoors, burns excess energy and satisfies your furball’s need for companionship. Therefore, there will be no need for them to munch on your shoes!
In case your dog suffers from separation anxiety and starts chewing as soon as you leave the room, here’s what to do:
- Use a pet camera to remotely monitor their behavior and prevent them from destructive activities while you’re away.
- Create a safe space for your dog. It can be a crate, a cozy corner of the room or an indoor dog house. The choice is yours, as long as it’s a spot where they can find safety and comfort while alone, your dog will appreciate it.
- Subscribe Petcube Care to remotely monitor their behavior and prevent them from destructive activities while you’re away. Petcube Care is an optional subscription service that adds features to a pet camera. You can use smart alerts, if you know that your dog barks when he starts chewing on things at home. Then the app will recognize the barking and send you alerts. You'll know that your pet is anxious and you can return home sooner to calm them down.
Of course, in both cases, having the right supplies will make the whole process much easier.
It can also be possible that your dog chewing on furniture or any other non- edible objects is a sign of a condition called pica. Consider checking whether your beloved fluff is showing any signs of pica-like behavior.
If you need further consultation on stopping your dog from chewing, take your time to consult a vet online. Using Vet Chat, you can discuss this and other behavioral problems with a certified vet online. If you're up for personalized vet advice, trying Vet Chat is indeed a superb option.
Supplies to Stop Your Dog from Chewing
It’s safe to say that every dog on the planet loves chewing. The trick is to get them to chew only things you want them to… And not go roaming in your laundry hamper in search of chewing material.
So, how do you stop a dog from chewing your leather shoes or expensive furniture?
One obvious fix: offer them something better!
Chewing Treats
Sure, dirty socks and wooden chairs have tempted many dogs. But, when choosing between a tasty treat and your furniture, the choice is clear. Try treats such as dried pig ears, raw beef bones, teething treats, or bully sticks. The taste and chewiness of these treats will keep your pooch away from your shoe collection and living room décor.
Dog Chew Toys
The same goes for toys. There are many different options available on the market, from smart puzzles and rubber bones to bacon-flavored chew toys. Pick one that your dog won’t destroy easily and enjoy having them occupied for hours on end.
Chewing Deterrent
Sometimes, dog chewing deterrents help to stop a dog from chewing. Use a deterrent spray to stop your dog from chewing on shoes or furniture. In no time, they’ll steer clear of anything you’ve sprayed.
There are even various home remedies to stop your dog from chewing on furniture. In most cases, these DIY remedies are deterrent sprays made from apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. These natural ingredients won’t harm your pooch but will keep them away from the furniture you’ve sprayed with these mixtures.
For dogs who struggle with being left alone, and chew as a way to relieve stress, a pet camera can be the only thing that actually works.
Using a Petcube Pet Camera to Stop a Dog From Chewing
Pet cameras such as Petcube Play or Petcube Bites offer you the possibility to monitor your dog’s activities when they are alone and put them at ease with your voice or treats. These pet cameras also offer the option of setting alarms that are activated by motion or sound, so you’ll be able to catch your pooch in action.
As soon as you notice your pooch has started munching on something they weren’t supposed to, use a vocal command to interrupt them. The two-way audio allows you to communicate with your dog even when you’re away. To make things even better, with Petcube Play, you can also redirect their attention from your pillows or shoes to a remotely controlled laser dot.
In case your pooch is motivated by yummy treats (let’s be fair, who isn’t?), you can reward them with Petcube Bites pet camera with treat dispenser, and give them something tasty to chew on instead of your furniture!
Remember, even if you’re convinced that your dog is eventually going to chew everything you own, there is a way to help them overcome this destructive habit. With a little patience, a lot of love, and some supplies, your pooch will learn the difference between a chewy treat and a pair of high heels!